How-To Guide

Evidence reviewedNovember 13, 2026
Medical reviewDr. Abdurrahman Efem
Practical reviewMerve Akkaya

How to choose a moisturizer

A good moisturizer does three jobs: it draws water into the skin, softens it and slows water loss. The right balance depends on your skin type, your concerns and where you apply it. This guide turns that into simple choices and label cues.

Three ingredient jobs Match to skin type Apply to damp skin
Water magnetsHumectants
SoftenersEmollients
SealsOcclusives
Best time to applyRight after washing
The short answer

Start with your skin type. Oily or acne-prone skin usually does best with a light, oil-free, noncomedogenic lotion or gel. Dry, mature or eczema-prone skin usually needs a richer, fragrance-free cream or ointment. Whatever you choose, apply it right after washing while skin is still slightly damp, and judge it after a few weeks by how your skin feels.

Key takeaways
  • Most moisturizers combine humectants, emollients and occlusives; richer skin needs fewer occlusives and drier skin needs more.
  • Oily and acne-prone skin suit oil-free, noncomedogenic formulas; dry and sensitive skin suit fragrance-free creams.
  • Applying moisturizer to damp skin straight after washing helps it hold in more water.

The basics

What is actually in a moisturizer?

Nearly every moisturizer mixes three kinds of ingredients. Knowing them makes any label easier to read.

Hydrate

Humectants: water magnets

They attract water into the outer skin layer. Examples: glycerin, hyaluronic acid, urea and lactic acid. They feel light and suit almost every skin type.

Smooth

Emollients: softeners

They fill tiny gaps between skin cells so skin feels smoother. Examples: plant oils, shea butter, fatty alcohols such as cetyl alcohol, and ceramides.

Seal

Occlusives: seals

They form a thin layer that slows water escaping from the skin. Examples: petrolatum, mineral oil, dimethicone and lanolin. The more occlusive a product, the richer it feels.

Texture follows the mix: lotions are thin and light, creams are in the middle, and ointments are thick and the most sealing. For a closer look at the two most common textures, see gel vs cream moisturizer.

By skin type and concern

Which moisturizer suits your skin?

Skin type or concernWhat usually worksLabel cues
Oily skinA light lotion or gel, mostly humectants. Oily skin still benefits from moisturizer after cleansing.Oil-free, noncomedogenic
Dry skinA cream or ointment, which the AAD says adds more moisture than a lotion.Fragrance-free; petrolatum, shea butter, glycerin, dimethicone
Combination skinA light lotion all over, with a richer cream on dry patches only.Noncomedogenic
Sensitive skinA short, simple ingredient list in a cream base.Fragrance-free (not just “unscented”)
Acne-prone skinA light, non-greasy moisturizer, especially while using drying acne treatments.Oil-free, noncomedogenic, “won’t clog pores”
Eczema-prone skinA thick cream or ointment, applied generously and often.Fragrance-free; few added extras
Mature skinOften a richer cream if your skin feels drier than it used to. See the mature skin routine.Fragrance-free; humectants plus occlusives

Reading the label

What label words actually help?

Useful cues

  • Fragrance-free: the AAD recommends this for dry, sensitive and eczema-prone skin.
  • Noncomedogenic, oil-free or “won’t clog pores”: helpful for oily or acne-prone skin. See what non-comedogenic means.
  • Named moisturizing ingredients: glycerin, hyaluronic acid, petrolatum, dimethicone, shea butter or ceramides near the top of the list.
  • Broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher in a day moisturizer, if you want one step in the morning.

Cues to read with care

  • “Unscented”: the AAD notes this can mean a fragrance has been masked, which may still irritate.
  • “Hypoallergenic” or “dermatologist tested”: these words do not guarantee your skin will tolerate the product.
  • High short-chain alcohol (alcohol denat. near the top) if your skin is dry or sensitive. See alcohol in skincare.
  • Long lists of plant extracts and essential oils if your skin reacts easily.

Step by step

When and how to apply moisturizer

  1. Wash gently with lukewarm water

    Use a mild cleanser and keep showers and baths short. The AAD suggests five to ten minutes in warm, not hot, water for dry skin.

  2. Pat, do not rub, dry

    Leave skin slightly damp. Rubbing with a towel can irritate dry skin.

  3. Apply straight away

    Put moisturizer on while skin is still damp, so it can hold in that water. The AAD and DermNet both advise applying right after bathing.

  4. Smooth it on gently

    Spread a thin, even layer. On the body, the NHS suggests smoothing emollients in the direction of hair growth to help avoid blocked hair follicles.

  5. Reapply when skin feels dry

    Very dry skin may need moisturizer two or three times a day. DermNet notes the benefit is greatest in the first few hours after applying.

  6. Give it a fair trial

    Use a new moisturizer daily for a few weeks before judging. If skin feels tight, go richer; if it feels greasy or breaks out, go lighter. Introduce one new product at a time, as in how to introduce a new product.

Face and body

Do you need different moisturizers for face and body?

Often, yes. Facial skin is more prone to clogged pores and irritation, so face products tend to be lighter and labeled noncomedogenic. Body skin, especially on the legs, hands and feet, is often drier and can handle thicker creams and ointments.

You can use one product for both if it suits your face. Using a rich body cream on an acne-prone face is where problems are more likely, because heavy occlusive products can worsen acne in some people.

Hands and feet may need the richest products, such as an ointment at night. In winter, many people switch to a richer formula on both face and body.

  • Face: lighter, noncomedogenic, fragrance-free if sensitive.
  • Body: creams or ointments for dry areas; lotions for hairy areas.
  • Hands and feet: the richest option, often at night.

Safety and professional-help boundaries

When a moisturizer is not enough.

  • Dryness that stays despite regular moisturizing, or that itches, cracks or bleeds, may be eczema, psoriasis or another condition; see a doctor or dermatologist.
  • Stop any product that burns, causes a rash or swells; fragrance and preservatives are common causes of contact allergy, and patch testing can identify them.
  • Rich, occlusive products can worsen acne, perioral dermatitis or folliculitis (inflamed hair follicles) in some people; switch to a lighter formula if bumps appear.
  • Paraffin-based emollients soaked into clothing or bedding can catch fire easily; keep them away from flames and cigarettes, as the NHS advises.
  • Moisturizer does not replace sunscreen; use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher in the morning.

Frequently asked questions

Short answers to common questions

What moisturizer should I use for my skin type?

Oily and acne-prone skin usually suit light, oil-free, noncomedogenic lotions or gels. Dry, mature and eczema-prone skin usually do better with fragrance-free creams or ointments. Combination skin can use a light product all over and a richer one on dry areas.

Does oily skin need moisturizer?

Usually, yes. The AAD advises applying moisturizer after cleansing even for oily skin. Choose a light, oil-free, noncomedogenic formula.

Should I apply moisturizer on wet or dry skin?

On damp skin. Applying it right after washing, while some water is still on the skin, helps lock in moisture.

What is the difference between humectants, emollients and occlusives?

Humectants pull water into the skin, emollients soften and smooth it, and occlusives seal water in. Most moisturizers use all three in different amounts.

Can I use body lotion on my face?

You can if it suits your skin, but body products are often richer and may contain fragrance. If you are acne-prone or sensitive, a face-specific, noncomedogenic, fragrance-free product is safer.

Is a more expensive moisturizer better?

Not necessarily. How well a moisturizer works depends on its ingredient mix and how your skin responds, not the price.

How long should I try a moisturizer before switching?

Give it a few weeks of daily use unless it stings, burns or causes a rash. Stop straight away if it does.

Editorial Record

Editorial status
reviewed
Medical reviewer
Dr. Abdurrahman Efem
Practical reviewer
Merve Akkaya
Last reviewed
November 13, 2026

Related pages

Continue from here

Gel vs Cream MoisturizerWhich texture suits your skin and season. How to Choose a CleanserPick a cleanser that suits the moisturizer you use. Dry vs Dehydrated SkinWhy tight skin may need water, oil or both. Dry SkinUnderstanding dry skin and how to care for it.

Compare and go deeper

Side-by-side comparisons and practical guides

Comparison

Day Cream vs Night Cream

Day and night creams are both moisturizers; the label is mostly about texture, SPF and added actives.

Guide

Do You Need Face Oil?

Face oils mostly sit on the surface and slow water loss; they do not replace a moisturizer.

Guide

What Is Slugging?

Slugging seals in moisture with a thin layer of petroleum jelly, which strongly slows water loss from the skin.

Sources reviewed

Evidence behind this guide

  1. American Academy of Dermatology: Dermatologists’ top tips for relieving dry skin.
  2. American Academy of Dermatology: How to control oily skin.
  3. American Academy of Dermatology: Moisturizer, why you may need it if you have acne.
  4. American Academy of Dermatology: Eczema types, atopic dermatitis skin care (selecting a moisturizer).
  5. DermNet: Emollients and moisturisers (Whittaker L, Oakley A).
  6. NHS: Emollients.

Sources support the general editorial guidance shown here. They do not replace personal medical advice from a qualified clinician.